Doctors warn of ‘exponential’ rise in serious e-scooter injuries among kids

Doctors at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children have warned of a sharp increase in serious e-scooter-related injuries among children, describing the trend as “exponential.” According to Dr. Suzanne Beno, a pediatric emergency physician and co-medical director of SickKids’ trauma program, the number of children arriving at the hospital with severe injuries from e-scooter crashes has grown significantly over recent years. She noted that the situation reached a “tipping point” in 2024, with the number of injuries doubling annually. This year alone, the hospital has recorded three to five such cases each week. The severity of the injuries has raised concerns among medical professionals. Patients frequently present with traumatic injuries, including head, thoracic, spinal, and abdominal damage, along with complex fractures. Some require immediate surgical intervention, extended stays in intensive care units, or extensive rehabilitation. Dr. Carolyn Rutten, a pediatric emergency radiologist at SickKids, described reviewing scans from e-scooter crash victims as a regular occurrence during her night shifts. She emphasized that the fractures observed are often more severe than those typically associated with playground accidents, with some cases involving highly displaced bone fragments. Traumatic brain injuries are also on the rise. Rutten explained that children can sustain skull fractures and intracranial bleeding, which can lead to dangerously high pressure within the skull. In some instances, surgeons must perform craniotomies, removing portions of the skull, to relieve the pressure and potentially save the child’s life. When asked whether children should ride e-scooters, Rutten responded, “I really wish they weren’t.” Dr. Joshua Ramjist, a pediatric general surgeon and trauma medical co-director, echoed similar concerns. He pointed out that e-scooters function similarly to motorized vehicles, resulting in injury patterns akin to those caused by high-speed car accidents. Many children suffer multi-system injuries affecting the head, chest, and abdomen, often necessitating multiple surgeries, prolonged ICU stays, and months of recovery before returning to normal activities. Ramjist stressed that the consequences extend far beyond simple fractures, highlighting the complexity of the injuries sustained. Medical experts at SickKids have called for a multifaceted approach to address the issue. Beno argued that prevention efforts must go beyond encouraging helmet use. She advocated for stronger public education campaigns, clearer regulatory frameworks, and improved enforcement of safety standards. Additionally, she highlighted the need for safer infrastructure to accommodate e-scooters while minimizing risks to users. Parents, she noted, often underestimate the speed at which privately owned e-scooters can travel compared to rental models. Researchers at the hospital have documented incidents involving speeds exceeding 50 kilometers per hour, underscoring the potential for catastrophic outcomes. Beno further stated that children under 16 should not be operating e-scooters due to their limited physical and cognitive abilities required for safe handling. She expressed frustration over the preventability of these incidents, calling the situation “tragic.” As e-scooters continue to gain popularity, healthcare providers and community leaders are increasingly focused on implementing measures to curb the rising tide of injuries linked to their use.